Lyrics
I spent my life with calloused hands, put food upon the table
Tried to teach 'em right from wrong, the best way I was able
Thought the lessons that I gave would guide them through the years
Now I sit so sad at seventy, surrounded by my fears.
When storms rolled through and sickness came, I thought they'd call my name
Instead the silence filled the room, and nothing ever changed
A fathers heart will make excuses, says "they're busy with their lives"
But empty chairs don't lie to you when another sunset dies.
(chorus)
I guess I failed somewhere along the road
Somewhere between the love and rules
Thought they'd carry pieces of me
Instead they left me with the blues.
If respect's a seed a father sows
Please tell me, where did mine refuse
Lord I'm an old man asking questions
With nothing but these fathers blues.
I never wanted medals, I never needed praise
Just a knock upon the front door every now and then these days
To hear, "how ya doing Dad" would mean more than words can say
Instead I keep on talking, to to photographs that never look away.
I guess I failed somewhere along the road
Somewhere between the love and rules
Thought they'd carry pieces of me
Instead they left me with the blues.
Still I'd reach out these tired old arms
No matter what they've put me through
'Cause a fathers heart keeps loving
Even when it's breaking in two
If tomorrow brings a phone call
I'll answer like nothing's ever been wrong
'Caus a father never stops believing
Even after hope is gone.